However, where we went today, I can’t complain about a house. I would even say – the luxury, the art collection, the exceptional French 18th century furniture, all it made this Manor look much more wealthy, then any other we’ve visited so far. I’m talking about Waddesdon Manor – the estate of The Rothschild family. Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built Waddesdon Manor 120 years ago in the style of a French 16th century château. He was also an inspired collector, so now the house holds a pretty neat collection of paintings. Baron has been too passionate about the Renaissance and that reflected in the interior decorations of the Manor. With great surprise I’ve discovered plenty of evidence that Rothschild family used to have deep interest in Russian art – pictures and porcelain and even huge emerald vase – a gift from Russian tsar Alexander II.
But of course, it was not the house itself, that captured my imagination, but the grounds – the aviary, the gardens, the walks among unspoilt natural beauty, there was something special about this landscape. Its stretched out naturally around the house a la château , creating totally different mood - the atmosphere of tranquillity and peace…there were none of the trees that would feel like not in place, there were absolutely no misbalance in a way how different elements positioned together. It was almost the Perfect Place.
Well, I can’t really write more about it. No matter how I’d try, it won’t be good enough in words anyway. I’m just going to post a picture instead. I’m just too tired to write anything else.
Oh, and forgot to mention the town of Waddesdon itself was very pretty too, with almost all the houses in very special style, like, for example, this "Five Arrows" hotel:
